KUANTAN: Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said Monday that land clearance on a 24ha site in Pos Terisu, Cameron Highlands, was being carried out in accordance with the law.
He said the land clearing was carried out after the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) took over the land from Orang Asli in the area for an agricultural development.
"Those who feel that there was an abuse of power or corrupt practice involved in the venture, please report it to MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission), instead of making wild accusations," he told reporters after announcing the state executive council's line-up here, Monday.
He was commenting on The Star's report that another huge tract of virgin jungle was found stripped bare in Pos Terisu, Cameron Highlands to make way for more vegetable farms.
According to the report, a special task force to be set up under the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry would work with the Pahang government to tackle the widespread ravage of Cameron Highlands.
Adnan said a company had been engaged by JAKOA to carry out an agricultural project there to ensure that land development was carried out systematically and avoid unorganised land clearing by Orang Asli.
"The company has been making yearly payouts to 55 Orang Asli families involved in the venture since 2008," he said, adding that each Orang Asli family was given RM800 in 2008, RM1,800 (2009), RM2,400 (2010) and RM4,000 (2011). - Bernama
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